Relay is an innovative online banking platform tailored to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), freelancers, and entrepreneurs. Known for its flexibility, lack of fees, and business-oriented features, Relay is ideal for businesses seeking a scalable, accessible banking platform without the usual burdens of high fees and complex processes. In this review, we’ll examine Relay’s offerings, including its two subscription packages, the platform’s pros and cons, and why it’s a standout choice for businesses and accounting professionals alike.
Overview of Relay’s Services
Relay is structured to simplify banking for businesses, offering features that support cash flow management, seamless integrations with accounting software, and robust team collaboration options. As a no-fee platform, Relay eliminates traditional banking fees, making it attractive for businesses looking to optimize finances without sacrificing essential tools. Relay’s two subscription plans—Relay Standard and Relay Pro—cater to a range of business needs, with options that help teams manage bills, track expenses, and set up multi-stage workflows for greater financial control.
Key Features of Relay
1. Relay Standard: No-Fee Business Banking
- Monthly Cost: $0
- Relay Standard provides a comprehensive suite of features with no monthly service fees, making it an ideal choice for businesses wanting to minimize costs. Key benefits include:
- No Monthly Checking Account Fees or Minimum Balance Requirements: With no balance requirements, businesses have the flexibility to manage cash flow without penalty.
- $0 Bounced Checks: Ensures you won’t be charged for returned checks, a common fee at traditional banks.
- 32,000 AllPoint ATMs and 24/7 Customer Support: Free cash withdrawals at AllPoint ATMs nationwide, plus round-the-clock support to assist with questions and account issues.
- High Account Capacity: Businesses can open up to 20 no-fee checking accounts and issue up to 50 virtual or physical debit Mastercards, enabling easy separation of funds for different departments or projects.
- Payment Options: Users can pay by ACH, wire, or check, ensuring flexibility in managing outgoing payments.
- Team Member Access: Relay allows business owners to invite team members to access accounts, assign roles, and set automated spending limits to maintain financial oversight and control.
- Third-Party Integrations: With integrations including Xero, QuickBooks Online, Expensify, Gusto, Plaid, and Wise, Relay is compatible with major accounting, payroll, and payment platforms, simplifying bookkeeping and financial management.
- Mobile Banking: Available on iOS, Android, and web, Relay’s mobile banking allows users to bank from any location with online and mobile check deposits.
- ACH Delivery: ACH payments are processed in 1-2 business days, and domestic wires are available for a low $5 fee.
- Partner Program and Client Portal: Accountants and financial advisors can leverage Relay’s Partner Program, a feature designed to provide accountants and bookkeepers with easy access to clients’ accounts.
2. Relay Pro: Advanced Bill Payment and Workflow Automation
- Monthly Cost: $30 per business
- For businesses with higher transactional needs, Relay Pro offers advanced features designed to streamline bill management and enhance workflow automation:
- Automated Bill Import: Automatically imports bills from QuickBooks Online and Xero, consolidating financial tasks within one dashboard.
- Bill Approval Workflows: Users can view, approve, and pay all bills from a single interface, making bill management efficient and organized.
- Multi-Stage Approval: Relay Pro enables customized, multi-step approval rules for payments, providing enhanced security and oversight on large or important transactions.
- Batch Payments: Businesses can pay bills in batches, streamlining the process for managing multiple invoices at once.
- Free Domestic and International Wires: Offers free wires both domestically and internationally, an added value for businesses with regular wire needs.
- Same-Day ACH Transfers: Same-day ACH transfers are processed quickly, improving cash flow by providing immediate access to funds.
- Enhanced Security: Relay Pro’s multi-step approval workflow reduces the likelihood of unauthorized transactions and provides an added layer of protection against fraudulent activities.
Schedule of Fees Summary
Relay’s fee structure is simple and transparent, with high limits on various types of transfers and transactions, making it a scalable solution for growing businesses. Here’s a breakdown of Relay’s transaction limits:
- Direct Deposits and ACH Transfers from External Financial Institutions: Limited to $1 million per day, ensuring ample flexibility for large transactions.
- Wire Transfers from External Institutions: Limited to $1 million per day.
- ACH Transfers: Capped at $100,000 per day.
- Wires: Limited to $200,000 per day, supporting significant transaction needs.
- Bill Pay Checks: Up to $40,000 per day.
- Internal Transfers: Limited to $1 million per day, suitable for businesses needing to transfer funds between accounts or projects within Relay.
Pros of Using Relay
High Ratings on Trustpilot (4.5 Stars)
- Relay’s reputation for excellent customer service and functionality has garnered it high ratings on Trustpilot, reflecting a strong level of satisfaction among users.
Free Demo with Live Q&A
- Potential users can access a free demo with live Q&A sessions, allowing businesses to explore the platform’s functionality before committing.
Generous Partner Program
- The Relay Partner Program offers revenue-sharing opportunities, enabling accountants to benefit from client referrals. For instance, by adding 10 clients, partners can receive a 17% revenue share, offering financial professionals an incentive to introduce clients to Relay.
Compatibility with Payment Platforms
- Relay supports connections with payment services like PayPal, Stripe, and Square, enabling businesses to collect payments from multiple sources seamlessly.
No Account Fees or Minimum Balance Requirements
- Relay’s no-fee structure extends to a lack of withdrawal fees, overdraft fees, and minimum balance requirements, making it a cost-effective choice for business banking.
High Security
- Relay’s accounts are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, providing deposit protection. Additionally, cards are covered by Mastercard’s Zero Liability Policy, which protects users against unauthorized transactions. Two-factor authentication (2FA) further enhances account security.
Easy Client Management for Accountants
- Accountants and bookkeepers can access multiple clients’ Relay accounts with a single set of credentials, avoiding the need to share passwords or 2FA codes. This feature streamlines access and provides a higher level of security and convenience.
Scalability with High Transaction Limits
- Relay’s high transaction limits for ACH transfers, direct deposits, wires, and internal transfers make it an ideal solution for growing businesses. Companies can scale their transactions without hitting restrictive limits often imposed by traditional banks.
Cons of Using Relay
Limited Physical Banking Access
- As a fully online banking solution, Relay doesn’t provide physical branches, which may be a drawback for businesses that prefer in-person services.
Limited Interest-Earning Accounts
- Unlike some business banks, Relay doesn’t currently offer interest-bearing accounts, which could be a disadvantage for businesses looking to grow their cash reserves over time.
Fees for Relay Pro
- While Relay Standard is free, Relay Pro has a monthly fee of $30 per business, which may not be ideal for smaller companies with minimal transactional needs.
Why Relay Stands Out as a Business Banking Solution
Relay’s unique structure, robust features, and flexibility make it a powerful tool for SMBs and freelancers who need efficient banking without the associated costs of traditional banks. The platform is user-friendly, especially for teams that rely on third-party integrations and require robust bill management tools. Relay also fills a unique niche in the financial industry, offering accountants a secure and organized way to manage client accounts, which can be particularly valuable for growing businesses or accounting firms managing multiple clients.
Final Thoughts: Is Relay Right for Your Business?
For businesses seeking a scalable, low-cost banking platform with advanced tools for managing team spending, bills, and cash flow, Relay offers a compelling solution. With its no-fee structure, powerful integrations, and emphasis on security and flexibility, Relay provides exceptional value for businesses looking to simplify financial management. The option to upgrade to Relay Pro adds versatility for larger organizations that require advanced bill payment features and multi-step approval processes.
Ultimately, Relay is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize affordability, ease of use, and flexibility. By choosing Relay, businesses can enjoy a cost-effective and highly functional banking solution designed to grow with them, ensuring they stay ahead in today’s competitive financial landscape.